Classical Studies

Overview

Ripon College offers a minor in classical studies, the branch of the humanities comprising the languages, literature, philosophy, history, art, archaeology and other culture of the ancient Mediterranean world (Bronze Age ca. BC 3000 – Late Antiquity ca. AD 300–600); especially ancient Greece and ancient Rome during Classical Antiquity (ca. BC 600 – AD 600). Classical studies is a helpful background for entry-level positions in fields such as communication, business and government or community organizations. A classics background serves as good preparation for graduate study in other analytical subjects such as law, anthropology, history or English and for research or practice in religion. Consider combining study in the classics with a major or minor in another discipline to maximize opportunities.

Advising

Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.

As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. Staff in the Office of Constituent Engagement and Career Services help to match your interests to concrete goals and construct a plan for success, offering support through three stages of career development – planning, exploration and search. Student Support Services provides tutoring and additional academic and skill development, as well as tools to help with note-taking, exam preparation, goal-setting and time management. Mentors in the Collaborative Learning Center provide in-depth, one-on-one or group mentoring for students about class projects and college-level writing, and can share problem-solving strategies to overcome academic obstacles.

Course & Requirements

Faculty

Career Tracks

Foreign language study can lead to careers in a variety of areas, including: government, industry and commerce, travel and tourism, interpretation/translation, service, education, arts, media and entertainment.

Some French, Latin and Spanish graduates from Ripon College have gone on to graduate work in their languages, including Amanda McDonald, a Ph.D. student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Others have continued their studies in other fields: Lucy Burgchardt ’10 received a master’s degree in philosophy in archaeology at Cambridge University in Great Britain and is enrolled in a Ph.D. program in communication studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Theresa Kedinger ’10, is studying nonprofit management at Marquette; Katy Heng ’10 is working on a graduate degree in international relations; Cassondra Meyer ’10 and Rachel Resop ’08 are in medical school; Tanya Garret ’06 earned a graduate degree in public policy; James Hein ’08 earned his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary; and Shanna Bude ’10 has earned a master’s degree from Garrett Theological Seminar. Larry Honaker ’11 and Elizabeth Knauz ’10 are teaching English in France.

Those heading directly into the workforce have taken many directions, including teaching, the law, accounting, law enforcement and business.

Off-Campus Study

For those who study French, Ripon College sponsors semester- and year-long study abroad experiences in Paris and in Montpellier, a smaller town in southern France. During these trips, students live with French families while taking university courses. Those students who study Spanish may choose from study-abroad programs in Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Alicante, Argentina, Costa Rica and Brazil.

College faculty members regularly lead Liberal Arts In Focus programs and other travel experiences, including recent trips to Castilla and León (Spain) in 2011, and Barcelona and neighboring sites in 2010.

Financial aid continues for students who choose to participate in an approved study-abroad program, minimizing additional expenses.

Whether you choose a program that is international or domestic, it is an experience bound to change your view of the world. Click to learn more about Off- Campus Study and Liberal Arts In Focus at Ripon College.

Financial aid continues for students who choose to participate in an approved study-abroad program, minimizing additional expenses.